Jalan Tun Razak (JTR), the 8-kilometre mainstay of Kuala Lumpur, is one of the focal entryways into the city. The CBD of KL was built along JTR, and the road is lined with historic and crucial national markers, from KLCC and Royal Selangor Golf Course, to the National Library, General Hospital KL and Istana Budaya.
JTR feeds into the city from the North and South, and is connected into some of the most crucial roads in the city center – it leads to the office towers in Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, the shopping belt in Bukit Bintang and the major suburbs connected via Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim (formerly Jalan Duta).
Given its role, it is natural that Jalan Tun Razak faces some of KL’s worst congestions, especially during peak hours. As can be seen every morning and evening, JTR’s rush hour traffic spills over to its surrounding and beyond.
World Bank estimates that the traffic congestion in Greater KL causes RM3,100 in economic losses per person each year.
Various efforts have been undertaken throughout the years to ease and improve the condition of JTR. However, better lifestyle and the increased number of cars in the city demands constantly evolving roadwork plans.
TRX, which sits at the point where Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Tun Razak meet, is working with DBKL and the Federal Government to upgrade and expand JTR for better traffic flow, and ease movement in and out of the upcoming financial district.
The JTR Traffic Dispersal Project will begin from Jalan Langgak Golf to the Kampung Pandan roundabout, and includes lane-widening and resurfacing work. Once done, it is expected that traffic on Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Tun Razak will decrease by almost 30 percent.
Recently, TRX awarded part of the upgrade works to Gadang CRFG Consortium Sdn Bhd, to build elevated and at-grade access to TRX into and from the Bukit Bintang shopping district, and connecting TRX to three major highways.
This seamless access to SMART, Maju Expressway (MEX) and DUKE-3, as well as an underground MRT Interchange station expected to open middle of this year, anchors TRX’s position as the most connected district in KL.
Photo Credit: Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd
